"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Matthew 5:43-45

 April 26

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor' and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." - Matthew 5:43-45 (NET)

Jesus' teaching in today's scripture was just as shocking to those around him then as it is for us now. What did he possibly mean when he says we are to love our enemies and do good to them? The key to understanding his radical teaching can only be found in comprehending the function and purpose of rain in God's creation. Both sun and rain are essential to sustain life. We seem to be acutely aware of that reality in April as God transforms the death of Winter to the new life of Spring. Byron Caldwell Smith once said, "Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers.”

Palestine was totally dependent on seasonal rains to ensure a good harvest and enough food. Rain was a symbol of God’s continued blessing or displeasure with its inhabitants. It fell only in two seasons: early rains during October/ November, and later rains in March/April. Rain gave the seeds God's people planted chances to grow. Without it nothing grew, and all would starve and die. By planting seeds of love and prayer in the fields of life, we too can bring life rather than death. If you love your enemies and treat them well, you truly show Jesus is Lord of your life and give others the chance to accept Jesus' love into their hearts also. Your witness has the power to give life to those who are dying in the darkness of sin and evil. This is possible only if we surrender fully to God and trust him to help us show love to those we may not feel love for. The beauty of an April day is the perfect time to begin loving and praying for your enemies knowing Jesus has given you God's personal power to overcome evil with good.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for giving me the privilege of prayer and the divine power of rain. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Love is stronger than anger.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)